Three mosquitoes from Abington’s southeast corner tested positive for West Nile Virus this week, according to town health officials.
These mosquitos were collected on July 23, and were tested by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
West Nile Virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the CDC, only about 1 in 5 people infected with West Nile Virus feel sick, with about 1 in 150 developing a serious and possibly fatal illness..
Abington Public Health Nurse Lindsay Wright said there are no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in Abington at this time.
Wright encouraged residents to take precautions to limit posisble exposure to mosquitoes and mosquito bites. This includes applying insect repellent when outdoors, wearing long sleeves and pats when possible, rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening and early morning hours, and draining any standing water from your yard. This includes winter sleds that may have lips that collect water.
Residents can also request spraying through Plymouth County Mosquito Control. THe Abington Health Department is also requesting spraying in the town’s southeast quadrant.
Information about West Nile Virus and reports of current and historical West Nile Virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at http://www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito
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